Many Olympians have weird red marks over their bodies in the Rio Olympics.

Source: huffingtonpost

But what are these and why is everyone dotty over them?

These red marks are a technique or therapy known as ‘cupping’, it is a form of acupuncture and many Olympians are using them because it helps in healing the pain of strenuous training’s.

Source: mashable

How Does this technique work?

In this technique or therapy heated cups are placed on the skin of the athletes and once there is a drop in the temperature, it creates suction to promote blood flow. The implication of this technique is that this suction also pulls the skin away from the body leaving the red marks.

Source: Instagram

Why are Olympians using the ‘cupping’ therapy?

According to some of the athletes, this technique helps them to reduce the pain caused by the physical toil of constant training and competing. It also helps them recover from their physical ailments faster.

Source: nytimes

Does it actually work?

Practitioners claim ‘cupping’ to be a form of ancient Chinese therapy that has been used for years and it is very effective in healing pain. There is also a technique known as “wet cupping”, which is done in both China and some parts of the Muslim world where it is known as “hijama”.